Catholic schools keep pressure on ScoMo over funding

The Catholic Education Commission in Victoria has signalled it intends to continue taking a tough line with the Coalition over the schools funding formula, waving the results of the Longman and Batman byelection in the face of the new government.

The sector was in conflict with the Turnbull government, arguing the independent schools funding model did not realistically take into account some Catholic families' ability to contribute to school fees.

Within hours of Mr Morrison being announced as the new prime minister, the CECV issued a statement saying Catholic school families had "demonstrated their deep concern at flawed school funding policies, as seen at the Batman and Longman by-elections", in March and July.

Executive director of CECV, Stephen Elder, said "we look forward to a new approach from government and have issued a number of papers over the past 18 months that will be able to assist Mr Morrison and his education minister." Louise Kennerley

It's been claimed the result in Longman, where Labor retook the seat with a swing of 3.6 per cent, was partly affected by heavy campaigning on the behalf of Catholic parents.

Executive director of CECV, Stephen Elder, said "we look forward to a new approach from government and have issued a number of papers over the past 18 months that will be able to assist Mr Morrison and his education minister".

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The peak body the National Catholic Education Commission, based in Sydney, said the recent review of funding methodology, chaired by businessman Michael Chaney, vindicated their view that a more accurate way was needed to measure parents' capacity to pay.

Spokesman for the Commission, Jim Hanna, said they were committed to work with the new government on a funding model with a fair and equitable result for all schools.

While the new ministry has not been announced education commentators predicted the existing minister, Senator Simon Birmingham, would be reappointed, given he had a good working relationship with the former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and the new prime minister will want as much stability as possible.

Universities urged Prime Minister Scott Morrison to overturn the cap on student places imposed last year and reverse the government's $2.1 billion in effective university funding cuts.

Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said she looked forward to working constructively with the new leadership. Supplied

Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said she looked forward to working "constructively" with the new leadership, including newly elected deputy Liberal leader Josh Frydenberg.

"Less university funding means fewer skilled graduates in the workforce – that's a problem for labour productivity and ultimately the government's budget bottom line," she said.

"Universities help to bring in $31 billion a year by educating international students who support Australian jobs and wages."

Money saved by the government with the cap on new students last year will go towards reducing the budget deficit.

Catholic schools say they want to reach agreement with the new Morrison government on a funding model for school fees that is fair and accurate and reflects the real situation in school communities. Kirk Gilmour